Ralf Rangnick has explained that the changes he's made to his starting XI to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League are in order to get 'fresh legs' into the side.
Rangnick has made three changes in total from the side that beat Tottenham on Saturday, with Scott McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga coming in for Nemanja Matic, Pogba and Marcus Rashford.
Some of the changes have come in for criticism from supporters but the interim manager explained his thinking prior to the match. He told BT Sport: "Fresh legs and playing at a high level of aggression and energy, that’s why I’ve made these changes."
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Despite his goal in the first-leg, Elanga is still a surprising inclusion in the starting XI considering his low level of experience and proven impact off the bench. Yet, Rangnick also talked through that decision as well.
He added: "It’s about verticality and speed, not just his performance in the first leg, so this is why he is starting." The tie is delicately poised after a 1-1 draw in Madrid three weeks ago and with the away goals rule now abandoned another stalemate would send the contest to extra-time.
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Diego Simeone has opted to start Antoine Griezmann rather than Angel Correra up front but Rangnick is equally wary of both attackers. "Griezmann and Correa are not too different as players. They will always try to ask for the ball in the half spaces," he added. "So we must be aware of this."
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